MSJC's Amy Bartel receives prestigious national honor

The San Jacinto resident is one of 20 named to the All-USA Academic Team

Amy Bartel, a Mt. San Jacinto College student, recently joined 19 other students from across the nation who were recognized as one of USA Today’s 2012 All-USA Community College Academic Team.

The prestigious honor, presented by USA Today, the American Association of Community Colleges and the international Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, recognizes the academic achievements of the nation’s top community college students. The award is sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group.

Bartel and MSJC President/Superintendent Dr. Roger Schultz attended the Annual Convention of the American Association of Community Colleges Convention (AACC) on April 23, in Orlando, Fla. Bartel and the other members of the 2012 All-USA team were presented to the public during the Phi Theta Kappa Presidents Breakfast. The team members were also featured in USA Today on April 23.

Bartel, 28, of San Jacinto holds a 4.0 GPA and plans on majoring in Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Archaeology. She hopes to transfer to UC Berkeley or UCLA in the fall with the goal of one day conducting field research in the Mediterranean. During her time at MSJC, she has served as the Phi Theta Kappa Vice President from 2010-2011, and is the current chapter president. As an officer, Amy has been involved in many Phi Theta Kappa events including organizing the annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive two years in a row, organizing several blood drives, attending a regional leadership conference in Irvine, planning induction ceremonies for new members, as well as leading new member orientations. In addition to her involvement with Phi Theta Kappa, Amy is a student representative on the Honors Enrichment Program Faculty Committee, has completed the requirements for the Honors Enrichment Program and has been placed on the Presidents Honor Roll. Outside of school, Amy is a proud wife and mother of two. Amy has also spent time volunteering at the Western Science Center and at her children’s elementary school.

Bartel was among the 1,700 students from 800 community colleges who were nominated for the honor. Bartel then rose to the top 20 who were named to the national team. Each team member receives a $2,500 scholarship award.

Bartel will be eligible to receive another $5,000 scholarship once she completes her baccalaureate studies.

Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC Superintendent/President, stands proudly with student Amy Bartel after she is named one of